Melanie Müller declines to acknowledge the verdict
Pop star Melanie Müller challenges her conviction for making the Nazi salute. The lawyer representing the 36-year-old has filed an appeal, as per the Leipzig local court's announcement. The court had fined the Ballermann star a total of 160 daily rates of 500 euros each, amounting to 80,000 euros, last week for using symbols of illegal and terrorist organizations and drug possession.
According to the court, Müller performed the Nazi salute multiple times at a concert in September 2022. In addition, authorities discovered 0.69 grams of a cocaine mix and an ecstasy tablet during a search of Müller's residence. The judge at the local court handed down a harsher sentence than the prosecution had requested. The prosecution had sought 95 daily rates of 60 euros each, totaling 5,700 euros. The defense, however, had argued for acquittal in both cases.
Following the delivery of the written verdict, the defense has one month to file an appeal, the local court spokesperson clarified. In case of an appeal, the regional court will assess the first instance verdict both legally and factually. Consequently, an appeal results in a new evidentiary hearing. In the event of a revision, the higher regional court holds responsibility. The court of revision only inspects whether the verdict was established lawfully.
Müller denied the charges during the trial through her lawyer. Her lawyer, Adrian Stahl, explained that the hand gesture was intended to motivate the audience. She had made the arm movement at numerous concerts, specifically for the chant: "Zicke Zacke, Zicke Zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi." Furthermore, his client has no right-wing affiliations and maintains political neutrality.
The defense plans to appeal the decision made by The Commission, referring to the Leipzig local court, due to the harsh sentence handed to Melanie Müller. If The Commission's decision is challenged, the regional court will review the verdict both legally and factually, potentially leading to a new evidentiary hearing.
